And stop thinking about him.
To that end, she fetched the novel she’d been reading, turned up the lamp, and attempted to distract herself. It worked, at least for a half an hour, until a knock sounded on her door.
Rose burst in, as usual not waiting for Holly’s reply.
“The tree’s done—come see!” she said, then wrinkled her nose. “What’s that dreadful smell?”
“A bit of greenery fell into the fire.” Holly narrowed her eyes at her sister, debating scolding her for putting mistletoe above the viscount’s bed.
But then she’d have to admit that it had led to a kiss, and the less said of that, the better.
“Speaking of greenery, and fire, the servants are just now lighting the candles. Put your book down—you mustn’t miss it.” Rose reached and took Holly’s hands, drawing her reluctantly to her feet.
“Very well.” It would be foolish to remain sulking in her rooms all evening, and shedidwant to see the Christmas tree in all its glory.
When she stepped into the hall, however, the sight of Lord Thornton made her whirl back around and yank her door open.
“Whatever’s the matter with you?” Rose grabbed her arm and, despite her resistance, towed her over to where the viscount leaned on the ebony cane Ash had lent him.
“Lady Holly,” he said. “Your sister tells me you’ve arranged a surprise for me.”
“I…” She glared at Rose, then smoothed her expression and turned to the viscount. “It seemed the thing to do.”
“Well then, I look forward to discovering whatever it is.” He offered his arm.
“Do help Lord Thornton down the hall to the landing,” Rose said sweetly. “I must go ahead and make sure all is ready. Don’t look until I say!”
She swooped off, her plaid taffeta skirts rustling, leaving Holly alone with their guest.
“We should fetch Ash,” she said, glancing back down the hall.
“I understand he’s already been gathered.” Lord Thornton glanced down at her, his dark eyes contrite. “I owe you an apology.”
“For the kiss? I assure you, sir, nothing more needs to be said of it.”
“No.” He took a breath. “For thinking something of you that was untrue.”
She blinked at him. Was he implying he’d thought her a lightskirt? “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.”
“I don’t suppose that you do. I thought you were a reckless gambler.”
She nearly tripped over her skirts, which made him stumble, and for a moment they clung to one other for balance. Once they were steadily underway again, Holly took a breath and attempted to order her thoughts.
“Areyoua reckless gambler, my lord?”
He gave her a wry smile. “I am not. It seems perhaps we’ve been at cross-purposes. But I must ask you—what were you doing in St. James that afternoon?”
Here it was; the moment of her undoing. Yet she would not—could not—lie to him.
“I was there to attend a speech by Mrs. Caroline?—”
“Norton,” he finished. “Concerning the injustices suffered by women.”
She halted again, staring at him in shock. “What do you know of it?”
“Why, I was there.”
“To gawk, or protest her sentiments?”
